MEET THE MERCHANT: JESSICA GANAS

Owner of Curate

Story by ALLEN ALLNOCH

Downtown Valdosta these days is a vibrant scene for shopping, entertainment, and dining. Jessica Ganas has been a committed participant in that scene, and her latest venture is making downtown an even more colorful place to be.

In 2022 Jessica opened Curate, a collective space at 134 North Patterson Street featuring an art gallery and vintage retail items. Curate follows a trio of other downtown businesses she’s opened over the past 14 years: Bennie’s Gallery (2009), Red Door Records (2010), and Cinema Downtown (2015).

“Downtown is transforming, with many historical buildings being restored,” Jessica says. “The McKey Building is being remodeled into an event space and boutique hotel. The historic courthouse renovation should be completed in the spring. I have witnessed incredible revitalization efforts over the last decade and a half. It has been truly rewarding to see downtown transform and receive the appreciation it is due. I am excited to be a part of the progress and I can’t wait to share what we do downtown with the public.”

Curate offers a gallery of original art by six talented area artists, as well as a wide variety of vintage collectibles and furniture curated by 10 vintage vendors. Ganas hosts art events on the first Friday of each month, plus regular gallery openings, live bands, artist pop-ups, and artist talks.

Ganas’ own work and interests are reflected at Curate, including her love of music. “As one of the vendors in our collective, my specialty is vintage vinyl,” she says. “I love discovering records for my clientele of record collectors. My love of vintage collectibles also led me to create the Boozy Flea, a vintage vendor market which takes place monthly at the Georgia Beer Company.”

Jessica’s vision is to further establish downtown Valdosta as the arts district, and to expand opportunities for artists to exhibit. To that end, Curate has partnered with Sublime, GUD Coffee, and The Southern Cellar, all of which now display and sell local original art.

“I enjoy art and feel that it unites and shapes the cultural climate of a community, challenging the status quo and boosting economic growth,” says Jessica, who is a board member with the Valdosta Heritage Foundation, a member of the Leadership Lowndes Class of 2023, and a VSU Alumni board member. “Being downtown creates the perfect setting, allowing me to meet others who feel the same. I enjoy meeting people new to our area and helping them discover more about downtown and Valdosta.”

Jessica clearly has a passion for downtown Valdosta, and the area is blessed to have her there.

“Through opening my retail shop, I hope to encourage more businesses to come downtown to build a stronger community,” she says. “Downtown Valdosta will always be dear to me because it is where I met the most important people in my life, including my husband and closest friends.” | VM

DOWNTOWN IS GROWING!

If you haven't been downtown recently, you need to! There are new shops and boutiques that make it even more interesting. And while you're there, check out these amazing shops.GO DOWNTOWN! You won't be disappointed!